Written by Aaron R. Winston
Last Updated: February 1, 2024 12:36pm CST
Texas is the second-largest state in the United States (both in size of land and population) and is located in the south-central region with a population of more than 30 million people, spread over 268,000 square miles of land.
Its nickname, the “Lone Star State,” speaks to both its history as a once independent republic (its government was separate from the rest of the US) and the proud identity shared by Texans.
Overall, Texas and it’s large cities have played a significant role in shaping the culture and economy of the US since its early days.
The state is rich in heritage, development, education, and technology, with hubs like Houston for space exploration, Austin with the University of Texas, and Dallas for urban art.
Texas is also the leading producer of oil and natural gas and contributes significantly to the nation’s energy sector.
From deserts to plains, forests to coastlines, you can explore diverse landscapes, visit state parks, and more in Texas.
Like any other place on the globe, Texas has to deal with crime, which can be particularly perilous in some cities more than others.
This reality is the central theme of our in-depth article on the top ten most dangerous cities in Texas.
Most Dangerous Texas Cities Map and Crime Rate Trends
So, without further ado, let’s delve into the Texas crime rate data by discussing the overall crime rate trends and highlighting the safest areas and, of course, the top 10 dangerous places in Texas (including the Texas crime rate by city).
Texas Crime Rate Ranking and Data Trends
It takes a lot of data to be collected to provide accurate crime rate trends and stats, which is even more the case for a large state like Texas. It has both a large population and a low population density.
This issue of safety and the law is why The Texas Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program exists.
The UCR serves as the state repository for the collection of crime statistics. At present, there are more than 1000 agencies that contribute to increasing the accuracy of these crime rates, which is also available to be viewed on the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer (CDE).
According to Safewise, despite having crime rates higher than the national averages, Texas maintains the second-to-lowest crime rates in the West South Central region of the United States. Texas is safer than neighboring states Arkansas and Louisiana.
Total Crime By Category In Texas
As per the most recent publication of The Texas Crime Report, the reported crimes in Texas consisted of the following categories
- Larceny-Theft → 44.74%
- Family Violence → 23.39%
- Burglary → 9.22%
- Motor Vehicle Theft → 9.07%
- Aggravated Assault → 8.34%
- Robbery → 1.94%
- Sexual Assault →1.71%
- Rape → 1.35%
- Murder → 0.19%
- Hate Crime → 0.05%
The total property crime count was 685,508, which is 63% of the total crime reported.
The total violent crime count was 128,538, which is 11% of the total crimes reported.
Additionally, Texas is also ranked number 11 among states with the most mass shootings.
What is the crime rate in Texas?
Texas Violent Crime Rate Is 4.32 and Higher Than National Average
The state of Texas’ violent crime rate stands at 4.32 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is worse than the national average.
However, Texas ranks better than its regional counterparts for the fewest property crimes in the West South-Central United States. Texas has a property crime rate of 2,299 reported incidents per 100,000 people.
You can think of it this way: the chance of your being a victim of property crime is lower in Texas than in its neighboring states (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma) but is still worse than the national average of 1,954.
Although there was a marginal drop in violent crime (still higher than pre-COVID-19), the property crime rate in Texas increased, showcasing a nuanced trend in the types of criminal activity within the state.
Before we continue discussing the characteristics of Texas’ crime rates, let’s clarify what both violent crimes and property crimes mean, as the two categories of crime definitions directly impact how the crime rate is tallied.
Violent Crime Vs. Property Crime Definitions [Infographic]
The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting System (UCR) defines property crimes as those committed with the intent to steal money or property (gas theft) without the force or the threat of force perpetuated against the victims.
The definition of property crime includes the following four offense types:
Property Crime Offenses
- Burglary
- Larceny-theft (i.e., purse snatching or shoplifting from stores)
- Motor vehicle theft
- Arson
In addition to defining property crime, the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) defines what is considered a violent crime offense. These charges can also apply to stealing. However, they all involve force or threat of force. This category consists of four types of offenses:
Violent Crime Offenses
- Murder and non-negligent manslaughter
- Rape
- Robbery
- Aggravated assault
Like many things, the most common characteristics of violent crimes committed in Texas vary when compared to other states.
Most Common Weapons Used For Violent Crimes In Texas
The three most common weapons (and definitions) used to perpetuate violent crimes in Texas are as follows:
- Personal weapons (used in 26% of violent crimes): The offender’s body part(s) used to inflict harm upon the victim in crimes that involve aggravated assaults. Slapping with hands, punching with fists, kicking with feet, choking with arms (asphyxiation), etc.
- Handgun (used in 25% of violent crimes): A short stock firearm designed to be held and fired with only one hand. Shooting and only threatening to shoot.
- Knife/Cutting Instrument (used in 14% of violent crimes): weapons such as knives, razors, hatchets, axes, cleavers, scissors, glass, and broken bottles used to cut or stab (or threaten).
Although less common, drugs, narcotics, and sleeping pills are used to inflict harm in hundreds of violent crimes each year in Texas.
Texas Violent Crime Rate Demographic Trends
When we analyze the age demographic for all types of violent crime, it is not evenly distributed among age groups.
Most Violent Crimes Are Committed By People Under 40 Years Old
63% of violent crime offenders are less than the age of 40 in Texas, with 27% falling in the 20-29 year old range.
Average Age of Victims in Violent Crimes
The average age of violent crime victims closely mirrors that of violent crime offenders in Texas. The slight disparity can be attributed mainly to the lopsided victim-to-offender ratio among children under the age of 10.
69% of victims of violent crime are under the age of 40 in Texas, with 26% of violent crime victims being between the ages of 20-29.
Most Common Location of Violent Crime Incidents Is At Home
The most recent CDE data indicates that the most common location where violent crimes are committed is at the residence of the victim (often domestic incidents).
Victim Usually Has Relationship With Offender of Violent Crime
The majority of the time, the violent crime perpetrator is not a stranger to the victim.
Men Are More Likely To Commit Violent Crimes Than Women
There is a significant disparity among the demographic of the offender’s gender for violent crimes in Texas.
Over 76% of violent crimes in Texas are committed by males.
The Gender of Violent Crime Victims Is Closely Split Between Men and Women
The gender gap of violent crime victims sees a much more even split, as 51.5% of the victims of violent crimes are male, while 48.1% are female (0.33% are listed as gender unknown).
As we delve into the top 10 dangerous cities in Texas, having distinguished between property and violent crimes, let’s explore the cities that top the list based on crime rate data trends.
Why can you trust our list of the top 10 most dangerous cities in Texas?
This compilation of the most dangerous city in Texas is reliable for reference, as it is derived from objective facts and data gathered by federal sources from local and state agencies across Texas rather than mere personal opinions.
Similarly, you can also read our post about other states in the South in our 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Georgia and 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Virginia guides. They use crime statistics obtained from Georgia and Virginia state authorities, respectively.
Crime Rate Formula
We use a standard system for determining a city’s crime rate using publicly available total crime and census statistics we obtained from official federal government websites and sources, which works for both property and violent crime types.
The formula to determine what are the most dangerous Texas cities to live in consists of two steps, which are as follows:
- Divide the total number of reported crimes by the city’s total population size.
- Multiply the result of the first step by 1,000, which produces the final crime rate.
Most Dangerous Texas Cities Ranking System
We focus on the violent crime rate to determine a city’s position on our list of the top 10 dangerous cities in Texas without factoring in property crime.
That is because not only is violent crime more dangerous than property crime, but it is also less affected by factors like tourism and spring breakers, which impact some Texas cities, like South Padre Island, more than others.
Now that you know where we get the Texas crime rate data from and the inner workings of the system we use to determine the level of a city’s crime, let’s answer the question, “What are the most dangerous cities in Texas?”
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Texas 2024
Among the more than 1,200 incorporated cities in Texas, Lubbock is ranked as the city with the highest crime rate in Texas, leading to a list of the most perilous places to reside based on crime statistics.
- Lubbock
- Beaumont
- San Antonio
- Corpus Christi
- Dallas
- Amarillo
- Waco
- Pasadena
- Mesquite
- Houston
Lubbock
Founded in 1876, Lubbock is situated in the northwestern part of Texas and ranks as the 10th most populous city in the state.
What city in Texas has the highest crime rate?
Despite its reputation as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll icon Buddy Holly and the location of Texas Tech University, Lubbock has also been labeled as one of the worst places to live in Texas due to it being the city in Texas with the highest rate of violent crime.
Known as the “Hub City,” Lubbock serves as the central hub for the South Plains region’s economic, educational, financial, and healthcare systems, an area historically referred to as Llano Estacado.
Lubbock’s surrounding South Plains area encompasses 24 counties and is recognized as the largest cotton-growing region globally.
Between 2021 and 2022, Lubbock experienced a ten percent increase in its crime rate, positioning it among the cities with the highest crime rate in Texas.
What is the crime rate in Lubbock, Texas?
Lubbock’s Violent Crime Rate Is 11.18
The violent crime rate in Lubbock is 11.18 because, for every 1,000 people living in Lubbock, 11.18 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Lubbock’s Property Crime Rate Is 45
The property crime rate in Lubbock is 45 because, for every 1,000 people living in Lubbock, 45 property crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
19.4% of the population lives below the poverty line, which is significantly higher than the national average.
Why is Lubbock so dangerous? Many attribute the surge in violent crime in Lubbock to the city’s significant issues with methamphetamine drug trafficking and high rates of drug abuse.
Recently, the DEA has uncovered connections between a meth stash house in Lubbock and Sinaloa, Mexico, highlighting Lubbock as the most dangerous on the list of Texas cities with the highest crime rates.
Lubbock, TX Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 264,142
- Total Violent Crimes: 2,952
- Total Property Crimes: 11,840
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 11.18
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 45
Most Dangerous Areas In Lubbock
- Jackson-Mahon
- Tech Terrace
- Chatman Park
- Maxey Park
- Dunbar
Safest Neighborhoods In Lubbock
- Shadow hills
- 82nd St. and Wausau Ave.
- 98th St. and Quaker Ave.
- 98th St. and Memphis Ave.
- Lakewood Estates
- Frank Higinbotham Park area
- Lakeridge
- Vintage Township
Safest Suburbs In Lubbock Area
- Reese village
- Shallowater
- Plainview
- Idalou
- Slaton
- Wolffworth
Beaumont
Beaumont, the second to the worst city in Texas from a violent crime rate perspective, is a coastal city in Southeast Texas. It was established in 1838 and is situated 90 miles east of Houston and 30 miles from the Louisiana border.
The city underwent a significant change after the Spindletop oil gusher was discovered in 1901, which attracted numerous energy companies to the area.
Pandemic-related delays in criminal trials and convictions have been cited as a potential reason for the increase in violent crimes in Beaumont.
The backlog of court cases has allowed more perpetrators to remain out of jail while waiting for trial.
What is the crime rate in Beaumont, Texas?
Beaumont’s Violent Crime Rate Is 10.87
The violent crime rate in Beaumont is 10.87 because, for every 1,000 people living in Beaumont, 10.87 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Beaumont’s Property Crime Rate Is 39
The property crime rate in Beaumont is 39 because, for every 1,000 people living in Beaumont, 39 property crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Recent US Census data reveals that Beaumont, one of the worst cities to live in Texas, has a poverty rate of 20% and suffers from a higher-than-average unemployment rate.
Beaumont, TX Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 110,898
- Total Violent Crimes: 1,205
- Total Property Crimes: 4,350
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 10.87
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 39
Most Dangerous Areas In Beaumont
- West Oakland
- Helbig
Safest Neighborhoods In and Around Beaumont Area
- Willow Creek (neighborhood)
- Rogers Park (77706)
- The Meadows West
- Calder Highlands West
Safer City Alternatives Near Beaumont
- Meeker
- Pine Island Estates
- Taylor Landing
- Fannett
Cheek
San Antonio
San Antonio is a city located in south-central Texas. First founded as a Spanish mission and colonial outpost in 1718, San Antonio is now the seventh-most populated city in the United States.
It is most famous for the Alamo, the 18th-century Spanish mission where the Battle of the Alamo occurred, and is the site where American folk hero and frontiersman Davy Crockett made his last stand.
San Antonio has been nicknamed “Military City, USA” due to the city’s several prominent military bases and installations, which include the well-known Lackland Air Force Military Training Base.
San Antonio has seen a spike in crime over the past few years as one of the most dangerous cities in Texas. In fact, the most recent FBI UCR data shows the City of San Antonio’s crime rate has unfortunately hit an all-time high.
Police officers have cited an increased population size, drug-related gang activity, and substance abuse as possible reasons for the dangerous upward trend in violent crime.
What is the crime rate in San Antonio, Texas?
San Antonio’s Violent Crime Rate Is 8.83
The violent crime rate in San Antonio is 8.83 because, for every 1,000 people living in San Antonio, 8.83 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
San Antonio’s Property Crime Rate Is 51
The property crime rate in San Antonio is 51 because, for every 1,000 people living in San Antonio, 51 property crimes are reported to the city’s police department each year.
The city’s rate of poverty is 18.7%, which is about 1.5 times the national average.
San Antonio Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 1,465,608
- Total Violent Crimes: 12,947
- Total Property Crimes: 74,470
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 8.83
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 51
Most Dangerous Areas of San Antonio
- West side of San Antonio
- Wheatley Heights
- Villa De Antonio
- East Terrell Hills
- Sunny Slope
- Pecan Valley
- Denver Heights
Safest Neighborhoods In San Antonio
- Eastwood Village
- Highland Park (neighborhood)
- Urban Crest
Safest Cities and Suburbs In the San Antonio Area
- Alamo Heights
- Tobin Hill
- Timberwood Park
- Cibolo
- Shavano Park
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, a coastal city on the Gulf of Mexico in the southern region of Texas, is the 8th most populous city in the state. Known as “America’s birdies place,” its large, shallow bay is a prime bird-feeding ground.
The city’s coastal location, including Corpus Christi Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and Laguna Madre, makes it a center for recreational water activities and sports. However, it is also recognized as one of the cities with the highest crime rates in Texas.
What is the crime rate in Corpus Christi, Texas?
Corpus Christi’s Violent Crime Rate Is 7.91
The violent crime rate in Corpus Christi is 7.91 because, for every 1,000 people living in Corpus Christi, 7.91 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Corpus Christi‘s Property Crime Rate Is 31
The property crime rate in Corpus Christi is 31 because, for every 1,000 people living in Corpus Christi, 31 property crimes are reported to law enforcement each year.
16.9% of the population live below the poverty line in Corpus Christi, a figure that exceeds the national average of 12.6%.
Corpus Christi Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 317,694
- Total Violent Crimes: 2,512
- Total Property Crimes: 9,915
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 7.91
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 31
Most Dangerous Areas and Neighborhoods In Corpus Christi
- Central City
- Northwest Corpus Christi
- Bay Area
Safest Neighborhoods In Corpus Christi
- Flour Bluff
- Kings Point
- Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi
- State Park Road 22
- Calallen
Safest Cities and Suburbs Near Corpus Christi
- Chapman Ranch
- Tierra Grande
- Fulton
- Ingleside
- Rockport
- Bishop
Dallas
Dallas, frequently mentioned among the top crime cities in Texas, is a Texan city, which is the most populous metropolitan area in the state and the 4th most populous metropolitan area in the United States.
The Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex has a population of 7.5 million.
The city and the DFW metroplex are home to many large corporations, including AT&T and Southwest Airlines, both with Headquarters in Dallas.
Unfortunately, despite the strength of the various industries in Dallas, the city struggles with crime.
It was one of the few cities to see an increase in homicides in 2023, leading some to question what is the most dangerous city in Texas, according to The Dallas Morning News.
What is the crime rate in Dallas, Texas?
Dallas’ Violent Crime Rate Is 7.8
The violent crime rate in Dallas is 7.8 because, for every 1,000 people living in Dallas, 7.8 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Dallas’ Property Crime Rate Is 38
The property crime rate in Dallas is 38 because, for every 1,000 people living in Dallas, 38 property crimes are reported to the city’s police department each year.
Dallas, TX Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 1,286,121
- Total Violent Crimes: 10,009
- Total Property Crimes: 49,037
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 7.8
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 38
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Dallas
- South Boulevard-Park Row
- South Dallas
- Cedar Crest
- Cockrell Hill
- Northwest Dallas
- Urbandale-Parkdale
- Oak Cliff
Safest Neighborhoods In Dallas
- Preston Hollow
- University Park
- Highland Park (Town in Dallas County)
- North Haven Park
- West End
- Winnetka Heights
Safest Suburbs and Cities Close To Dallas Area
- Frisco
- Allen
- Murphy
- McKinney
- Flower Mound
- Trophy Club
Amarillo
Amarillo is the 14th most populous city in the US and the largest city in the Texas Panhandle. It was originally named Oneida and is situated in the Llano Estacado region.
The name Amarillo is Spanish for the color yellow. Hence, the city also has nicknames such as “The Yellow Rose of Texas” and “Yellow City.”
The city is in the grasslands of the Texas Panhandle, surrounded by prairies towards the New Mexico and Oklahoma state borders.
Meatpacking is a big industry in Amarillo, with Tyson Foods as the second largest employer in Amarillo, second only to the Amarillo Independent School District.
What is the crime rate in Amarillo, Texas?
Amarillo’s Violent Crime Rate Is 7.63
The violent crime rate in Amarillo is 7.63 because, for every 1,000 people living in Amarillo, 7.63 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Amarillo’s Property Crime Rate Is 35
The property crime rate in Amarillo is 35 because, for every 1,000 people living in Amarillo, 35 property crimes are reported to the city’s police department each year.
Amarillo Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 201,572
- Total Violent Crimes: 1,538
- Total Property Crimes: 7,011
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 7.63
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 35
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods and Areas In Amarillo
- West side area of Amarillo
- Soncy neighborhood
- Southeast Amarillo near Tradewind Airport
Safest Neighborhoods In Amarillo
- Puckett
- Sleepy Hollow
- South Georgia
- City View
- The Colonies
Safer Location Alternatives In Amarillo Area
- Bishop Hills
- Panhandle (town)
- Happy
- Lake Tanglewood
Waco
Waco is a city in central Texas and is the 25th largest city in the state. It was founded in 1849 and is situated along the Brazos River on the I-35 corridor between Austin and Dallas.
The city’s name comes from the indigenous Wichita Indian tribe, who were known as Waco.
The area gained international attention when the story of the deadly shootout between ATF agents and the Branch Davidians (apocalyptic cult) at the Davidians’ Mount Carmel Center located outside of Waco in February 1993.
The series of events that took place are commonly referred to as the Waco Siege. It continues to be a contentious issue, especially when it comes to the topics of gun ownership laws and powers held by the federal government.
What is the crime rate in Waco, Texas?
Waco’s Violent Crime Rate Is 6.3
The violent crime rate in Waco is 6.3 because, for every 1,000 people living in Waco, 6.3 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Waco’s Property Crime Rate Is 32
The property crime rate in Waco is 32 because, for every 1,000 people living in Waco, 32 property crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
24.8% of people in Waco are living below the poverty level, which is more than double the national average and roughly correlates with Waco’s higher rate of crime.
City of Waco Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 143,984
- Total Violent Crimes: 908
- Total Property Crimes: 4,629
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 6.3
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 32
Most Dangerous Parts of Waco
- Dallas Circle
- Kate Ross Homes area (low-income housing)
Safest Neighborhoods In Waco
- South Bosque
- Eichelberger Crossing
- Willow Grove (rural neighborhood)
Safe Places To Live Near Waco Area
- China Spring
- Bosqueville
- Spiegleville
Pasadena
Pasadena is a city in Harris County and Texas’s 17th largest city.
Pasadena (TX) was founded in 1893 by John H. Burnett, a Galveston man, who gave it the same name as the City of Pasadena in California due to the location’s lush landscape.
Following a donation of millions of strawberry plants sent to Pasadena by the Red Cross to help victims of the Galveston Hurricane, the city has become known for its strawberries, calls itself the Strawberry Capital of the World, and hosts a Strawberry Festival each year.
93% of Texas communities have a lower crime rate than Pasadena.
The violent crime rate in Pasadena is one of the highest in the nation; motor vehicle theft is also one of the worst in the country.
What is the crime rate in Pasadena, Texas?
The Pasadena, TX, Violent Crime Rate Is 6.22
The violent crime rate in Pasadena is 6.22 because, for every 1,000 people living in Pasadena, 6.22 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
The Pasadena, TX, Property Crime Rate Is 28
The property crime rate in Pasadena is 28 because, for every 1,000 people living in Pasadena, 28 property crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Pasadena, Texas, has a relatively high crime rate, which has recently seen year-over-year increases. Many attribute the rise in violent crime in Pasadena to the quickly rising cost of living.
Pasadena, TX Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 147,662
- Total Violent Crimes: 918
- Total Property Crimes: 4,168
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 6.22
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 28
Most Dangerous Parts of Pasadena, TX
- Willow Vista
- Palmetto Village
- Marlen Terrace
Safest Neighborhoods In Pasadena, Texas
- Northeast area
- Fairmont Estates
- Baywood Oaks
- Bowling Green
- Golden Acres
- Deepwater
Safest Cities and Suburbs In the Pasadena Area
- Jacinto City
- Sugar Land
- Windsor Park Lakes
Mesquite
Mesquite is a rural, suburban city located east of the city of Dallas, Texas, that primarily falls in Dallas County, with a fractional portion extending southeast into Kaufman County.
The city is known as the “Rodeo Capital of Texas” and is the 22nd-most populous city in the state.
The average household income in Mesquite has increased significantly in the past few years but finds itself behind the average across Texas.
What is the crime rate in Mesquite, Texas?
Mesquite has a significantly higher rate of property crime than it does violent crime.
Mesquite’s Violent Crime Rate Is 4.65
The violent crime rate in Mesquite is 4.65 because, for every 1,000 people living in Waco, 4.65 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Mesquite’s Property Crime Rate Is 36
The property crime rate in Waco is 36 because, for every 1,000 people living in Waco, 36 property crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
The percentage of people living below the poverty level in Mesquite is 11.5%.
City of Mesquite Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 147,899
- Total Violent Crimes: 687
- Total Property Crimes: 5,372
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 4.65
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 36
Most Dangerous Parts of Mesquite
- Original Town
- Pasadena Gardens (Mesquite, TX neighborhood)
- Paddy Heights
Safest Neighborhoods In Mesquite
- Creek Crossing Estates
- Falcon’s Lair
- Clay Mathis Park
- Pecan Creek
- Casa Ridge Heights
- Broadmoor Estates
- Hills At Tealwood
Safe Places To Live Near Mesquite
- Rockwall
- Forney
- Seagoville
Houston
Houston, the epicenter of space exploration and the most populous city in Texas is also known for its unique no-zoning urban layout and high crime rates, which position it on the list of most dangerous Texas cities.
Located in Southeast Texas near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Houston is affectionately known by nicknames such as “Bayou City,” “Space City,” “H-Town,” and “The 713,” and boasts a rich cultural and heritage tapestry.
What is the crime rate in Houston, Texas?
Houston’s Violent Crime Rate Is 4.01
The violent crime rate in Houston is 4.01 because, for every 1,000 people living in Houston, 4.01 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Houston’s Property Crime Rate Is 23
The property crime rate in Houston is 23 because, for every 1,000 people living in Houston, 23 property crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Houston’s poverty rate increased from 14.1% in 2021 to 14.3% in 2022.
Houston, TX Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 2,276,533
- Total Violent Crimes: 9,332
- Total Property Crimes: 52,107
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 4.01
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 23
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Houston
- Sunnyside
- Macgregor-Riverside
- Sharpstown
- Greenspoint
Safest Neighborhoods In Houston Area
- Rice University neighborhood
- University of Houston campus
- Kingwood and East End Park area
- Dogwood Acres
- Walden Woods
- Addicks Parks Ten
Safer City Alternatives Near and Around Houston
- Windsor Park Lakes
- Bellaire
- Sugar Land
Now that we have completed our list of the most dangerous cities in Texas, let’s name the ten cities in Texas that are the safest to live in.
Safest Cities in Texas
According to the reports by Safewise, the safest Texan cities are:
- Trophy Club
- Fulshear
- Highland Village
- Fair Oaks Ranch
- Fairview
- Bellaire
- Lumberton
- San Elizario
- Colleyville
- Heath
Reasons for High Crime Rate In Texas
Although it is unrealistic to try and identify a single reason for Texas’ higher rate of crime, there are some common factors that contribute to the issue, many of which relate to a long history of systemic racism.
Texas Has a High Incarceration Rate
According to the Prison Policy Initiative, the Texas incarceration rate is 840 per 100,000 people.
That makes Texas have the highest incarceration rate in the United States and more than any country in the world.
It is essential to understand that the rate of incarceration includes people locked up in prisons, jails, immigration detention centers, and juvenile justice halls. This calculation is inherently flawed to a degree.
Recent studies have shown that higher incarceration rates have not led to reductions in crime and, in some cases, may actually lead to more crime being committed.
Researchers at the Vera Institute say more incarceration does not make us safer as a whole, which indicates that Texas could have made its high crime rate worse by increasing its incarceration rate.
The racial demographics of the prison population in Texas are not congruent with that of the general population, which is a problem that exacerbates the already severe social and economic challenges some areas and neighborhoods face.
While only 13% of residents of Texas are black, 33% of prisoners in Texas are black, which is in contrast to the following stats:
While 41% of Texas residents are white, only 34% of the prison population are white.
The Issue of Race and Felony Disenfranchisement
Felons have their right to vote suspended in Texas. Writers at the Ballard Brief argue that this policy, combined with the state’s criminal justice policies that encourage higher arrest and imprisonment rates of Black people, acts as a leading cause of Black disenfranchisement.
Disenfranchisement is a factor that exacerbates other issues, which can increase the crime rates in communities.
Challenges Caused By Texas’ Juvenile Justice System History
Texas has a long history of problems with its juvenile justice system. In fact, the state legislature abolished and replaced the Texas Youth Commission and Texas Juvenile Probation Commission in 2011 due to a long list of scandals.
Those agencies had been in operation since 1957, impacting many lives but not all for the better.
Their replacement is the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD), which was created on December 1, 2011.
Psychologists warn imprisoning young people can lead to more crime, as studies show it does not reduce delinquent behavior.
Similarly, opponents of youth incarceration say it negatively impacts the mental and physical well-being of children and increases the potential that they will turn into hardened criminals as they enter adulthood.
Systemic abuse has been observed in many juvenile correctional facilities across states, including Texas.
Trends show that incarcerated youth have had to undergo or witness emotional, physical, and sexual abuse taking place while locked up.
Although the youth custody rate has dropped over the past few decades, it is still one of the highest among states in the country.
Texas Governor’s Stance On Crime:
Greg Abbott, the Governor of Texas, mentioned the following in a recent statement he made about a shooting that took the lives of six Texans in Austin:
Texas is a law-and-order state, and violence will never be tolerated.
In Conclusion About the 10 Most Dangerous Places In Texas
Our team at Express Legal Funding hopes you found this a valuable top-ten list article about the crime rate in Texas and its most dangerous cities and areas to live in. We want to leave you with these last thoughts:
Understanding the crime rates and demographics of Texas cities is crucial for making informed decisions about personal safety and well-being.
Ultimately, the goal should be for individuals, community leaders, law enforcement, and state policymakers to work together toward creating safer regional and local communities for all residents in Texas.
That begins with leaders acknowledging the high crime rate and being willing to work with others who see things differently.
Although it’s easier said than done, we should not lose hope.
The Express Legal Funding team, including Author and Strategy Director Aaron R Winston, are based in Texas and have personal experience residing in multiple cities in this article’s most dangerous city list, including Dallas, Houston, Lubbock, and the panhandle city of Amarillo.
Not to mention that Express Legal Funding has a strong history as a company providing its pre-settlement funding service to many Texan clients, who are being represented by hundreds of top Texas law firms and lawyers spanning dozens of cities and towns all over the Lone Star State.
That experience also includes sending cashable checks via UPS and FedEx overnight shipping to a diverse list of zip codes and places in Texas.
About the Author
Aaron Winston is the Strategy Director of Express Legal Funding. As "The Legal Funding Expert," Aaron has more than ten years of experience in the consumer finance industry. Most of which was as a consultant to a top financial advisory firm, managing 400+ million USD in client wealth. He is recognized as an expert author and researcher across multiple SEO industries.
Aaron Winston earned his title "The Legal Funding Expert" through authoritative articles and blog posts about legal funding. He specializes in expert content writing for pre-settlement funding and law firm blogs.
Each month, tens of thousands of web visitors read his articles and posts. Aaron's thoroughly researched guides are among the most-read lawsuit funding articles over the past year.
As Strategy Director of Express Legal Funding, Aaron has devoted thousands of hours to advocating for the consumer. His "it factor" is that he is a tireless and inventive thought leader who has made great strides by conveying his legal knowledge and diverse expertise to the public. More clients and lawyers understand the facts about pre-settlement funding because of Aaron's legal and financial service SEO mastery.
Aaron Winston is the author of A Word For The Wise. A Warning For The Stupid. Canons of Conduct, which is a book in poetry format. It consists of 35 unique canons. The book was published in 2023.
He keeps an academic approach to business that improves the consumer's well-being. In early 2022, Aaron gained the Search Engine Optimization and the Google Ads LinkedIn skills assessment badges. He placed in the top 5% of those who took the SEO skills test assessment.
Aaron's company slogans and lawsuit funding company name are registered trademarks of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He has gained positive notoriety via interviews and case studies, which are a byproduct of his successes. Aaron R. Winston was featured in a smith.ai interview (2021) and a company growth case study (2022).
In 2023, Aaron and Express Legal Funding received accolades in a leading SEO author case study performed by the leading professionals at WordLift. The in-depth data presented in the pre-settlement funding SEO case study demonstrate why Aaron Winston maintains a high-author E-E-A-T. His original writing and helpful content continue to achieve unprecedented success and stand in their own class.
Aaron was born in Lubbock, TX, where he spent the first eight years of his life. Aaron attended Akiba Academy of Dallas, TX.
